“A crew will be returning to the site tomorrow morning to fill-in the former Galasso’s Pizzeria site with clean fill. Upon the completion of the stone deliveries, a more permanent fence will be installed around the site for public safety.

When the above tasks are completed, a street sweeper will be brought in to clean up Bridge Street with the goal of reopening to traffic by late tomorrow evening.

I ask that everyone continue to conserve water so that we can replenish our wells.

A big thank you to everyone that was involved in today’s clean up efforts. Also, thank you to Caldwell Banker for continuing to allow us to utilize your real estate office for triage.

As the evening draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for the their ongoing support and continuing offers of assistance. Our community is truly grateful for the outpouring of love and friendship in this time of need.

To all of the local first responders, law enforcement personnel, OEM coordinators and CERT teams that assisted Frenchtown; a sincere thank you for your professionalism, dedication and hard work.

To each of the members of our own Frenchtown Fire and Police Departments; a sincere thank you for your hard work, selflessness, and determination throughout this event. To the staff of our Frenchtown Public Works Department and OEM Coordinators’ Karen Hahn Harmon and Amy Cochrane – we couldn’t have done this without you!

Finally, a special thank you to the Frenchtown Presbyterian Church, Frenchtown United Methodist Church, Frenchtown Business and Professional Association, Frenchtown Borough Council, Jack Opdyke, ArtYard Frenchtown, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and countless others for providing resources on the ground and shelter to those in need.

Frenchtown is a resilient community that is home to many wonderful and caring people. We have overcome fires and floods in the past, and I have every confidence that we will do so once again.”

Tonight our community was devastated by a terrible fire which was caused by a truck plowing through the front of Galasso’s Pizzeria. Most of the Galasso’s building is now rubble and the Frenchtown Cafe located beside the pizzeria has also suffered significant damage.

The Frenchtown Fire Department along with many other area fire departments are continuing their heroic work at the scene.

I would ask that you keep those affected by the fire and our first responders in your thoughts and prayers.

People have been displaced from their homes and family businesses absolutely devastated. However, I know the strength, compassion and resilience of our people and we will overcome this fire.”

Fundraising efforts are being spearheaded by the Frenchtown United Methodist Church. The statement from the church is as follows:

“On the evening of August 13, 2018, a fire destroyed a beloved local business and caused significant damage to others. Several residents of the beautiful community of Frenchtown, NJ lost their homes and possessions. We thank God that no one was killed.

We are raising funds for the victims that have been displaced from their homes. Funds will go towards replacing what was lost and helping them get back on their feet.

Frenchtown United Methodist Church is located at 16 Third Street Frenchtown, NJ 08825.”

The Borough of Frenchtown

Frenchtown is located along the banks of the Delaware River in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, across from Bucks County, Pennsylvania and bordering Alexandria and Kingwood Townships, just south of Milford.

In recent years, Frenchtown has become a cultural destination with many art galleries and specialty shops and restaurants in the small downtown area. It is home to several street fairs and festivals.